The BMW Speedtop, a £500k limited edition shooting brake based on the M8, was revealed at the prestigious Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance. Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, describes it simply: "The BMW Concept Speedtop is first characterized by its profile – a unique mark in the auto industry."
Building on BMW's legacy of iconic showcases at Lake Como, the Speedtop is the latest to transition from concept to production, reminiscent of the 3.0 CSL and the recent success of the Skytop.
- Aesthetics: Evolving from the Skytop, the Speedtop features a sharp front, nearly invisible slim lights, and a distinctive illuminated kidney grille.
- Color & Finish: The car's paint shifts from ‘Sunstone Maroon’ to ‘Sundown Silver,’ offering a mesmerizing view best kept away from berry-laden trees.
- In-House Craftsmanship: After past collaborations with Pininfarina and Zagato, BMW now showcases its own coachbuilding capabilities. The Speedtop includes bespoke alloy wheels and a sleek glasshouse that blends into robust rear shoulders.
- Luxury Touches: The interior, resembling the 8 Series, is lavishly covered in ‘Sundown Maroon’ and ‘Moonstone White’ leather. While luxurious, the practicality of white leather is debatable.
- Art Deco Influence: An illuminated ‘spline’ along the headlining highlights the interior, complemented by bespoke Schedoni luggage secured with leather straps.
- Smart Storage: The boot area resembles a high-fashion boutique more than conventional storage, featuring a split-level design for both elegance and utility.
- Powertrain: Built on the BMW M8, the Speedtop is powered by a 523bhp, 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged S63 V8 engine, offering both performance and style.
- Collector's Item: With only 70 units planned, following the Skytop's limited production of 50, the Speedtop is primed for desirability among collectors.
The BMW Speedtop merges cutting-edge design with masterful craftsmanship, redefining luxury motoring. Its compelling blend of aesthetics, performance, and exclusivity makes it a coveted treasure. This automotive masterpiece stands as both a collectible and a testament to BMW's design prowess.
